(Wood County, Texas) – Wood County’s Industrial Commission’s Executive Director, Chana Gail Willis, and Lenny Francoeur, Event Director with Octagon, jointly announced today that the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) is coming back to Lake Fork in May 2014, bringing professional anglers competing on one of the world’s best renowned bass fishing lakes.

“The center point for the TTBC tourism and sporting event is to raise money and present a strong conservation message by delivering exceptional exposure and funding in support of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department youth and conservation initiatives,” Willis said. “In fact, the TTBC has enjoyed a very successful history since 2007, raising over $1.5 million in funds for programs for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.”

“The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is known as the world championship of bass fishing,”Francoeur said. “Anglers from all three major tours, Bassmaster Elite, Walmart FLW and the Bass Pro Shops PAA series can compete for the title of World's Greatest as part of the official Professional Anglers Association event.”

“The TTBC has historically worked well with their event organizers, Octagon, in partnering with local stakeholders, officials and anglers in seeking to highlight different lakes around the state that are pristine locations for fishing and other great Texas outdoor activities,” Willis said. “The TTBC inaugural event started at Lake Fork and ran for two years. Lake Conroe has hosted the event the last few years, as they will be hosting the TTBC this year October 4 - 6, 2013.”

The date for the TTBC on Lake Fork will be May 9-11, 2014 and will include three days of pro fishing, daily tournament weigh-ins, vendor expo showcases, outdoor activities and concerts. Families, outdoor enthusiasts and music fans will have plenty of entertainment options throughout the weekend to enjoy.

“We are extremely happy to have the TTBC return to Lake Fork in 2014,” Willis said. “It will bring a lot of economic activity to the area, as it is a popular tourism draw and fun event, as well as raising awareness and funding for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department programs.”

The Wood County Industrial Commission is a Wood County govt. entity with a 24-member board of appointed citizens from throughout the county commissioned in promoting, sustaining, maintaining economic development and tourism for Wood County, Texas.